The upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special is a hugely important episode for a whole bunch of reasons. There’s Peter Capaldi’s regeneration, Jodie Whittaker’s arrival, David Bradley as the First Doctor, Mark Gatiss is guest starring and, last but not least, Pearl Mackie is making her final appearance as the Doctor’s latest companion, Bill Potts.
While promoting the upcoming outing, titled “Twice Upon a Time,” on BBC Breakfast, the actress echoed previous comments from the Doctor Who family by saying how “emotional” the special will be. Though Mackie knew that going into the screening, it still caught her off-guard just how tear-jerking it was.
“I spent so long saying to people: ‘Oh just be prepared. It’s quite an emotional episode. It’s Peter’s last episode, my last episode. Bring some tissues,’ and I was watching it at the screening and I didn’t bring any tissues.”
The actress was next asked how her career has been impacted since joining Doctor Who. For those who don’t know, she’d mostly worked on the stage before this year, with only one or two screen credits to her name. Now, though, she’s achieved international fame. Despite this, Mackie remains humble about the boost to her career and explained that she was mostly just glad to be part of the Doctor Who universe.
“I don’t really know what I thought it would do, but it’s definitely an epic step-up in career stakes. Things that I’m being offered now are very different to things I was getting offered before, which is always positive, and I’m joining the alumni of amazing Doctor Who companions and Doctors that are doing some incredible work.”
Finally, Mackie explained that she’s looking forward to what lies ahead for the sci-fi series. Alongside Whittaker replacing Capaldi, the actress’ companion role will be filled by a trio of new characters: Graham (Bradley Walsh), Ryan (Tosin Cole) and Yasmin (Mandip Gill). It even sounds like she’s already caught up with one of the revamped cast.
“I’m really excited to watch Doctor Who without knowing what is going to happen. I think that is going to be so cool and it sounds like they are going to be a great team. Bradley is really excited about it and I think Jodie is amazing. I think it’s going to be great and I’m really excited to watch it as a fan rather than analysing my own performance.”
Doctor Who “Twice Upon a Time” materializes this Christmas Day on BBC One/America.
